Recent assignments
Stabilise and Turnaround
- A £20M services company had pursued a growth strategy without regard for the cash consequences. Cash was haemorrhaging at £150K per month and bank facilities were extended to their maximum. Interim stabilised the business, negotiated with key stakeholders and maintained the business within the agreed facilities while negotiations took place for additional equity investment.
- A £250K manufacturing company was within one week of going bankrupt. The business owner was working 80 hours a week. Interim arranged additional funding to give a breathing space to negotiate price changes with the main customers.
"M had almost given up hope of saving the company. The cash situation was desperate. Your intervention, support and professional guidance restored M's confidence and enthusiasm for his business. I have seen a remarkable change in M over recent weeks and this is in no small measure due to your input…"
A.S. Business Liaison Officer.
- An £8M manufacturer was in severe financial difficulties following a £1M fraud. Interim stabilised the financial aspects of the business whilst a new management negotiated with banks for new facilities.
"…the manner in which you filled the role of Interim Financial Controller enabled me to focus on the key operational issues… In particular, I was impressed by the support you provided, not just within the Finance Team, but through out the whole business during a period of immense pressure from the bank, suppliers and others…"
J.M. Company Secretary.
Cash management
- Interim developed a detailed cash flow model for a £25M provider of outsourced services. The model predicted cash shortages and Interim introduced a funder that provided over £1M finance to avoid financial disaster.
- Working with a £125M multi-site manufacturer, Interim improved internal working relationships and these resulted in a reduction of 9 days in the days of sales outstanding.
"…it has been a pleasure to work alongside you. It is rare to see qualities other than "professional" when one talks about accountants, but you demonstrated great commercial qualities, pragmatism and empathy…my whole team were confident when they heard Ian Ross was involved…"
N.D. UK Sales Director.
Restoring confidence to the business numbers
- A £3M machinery importer changed computer systems and lost its accountant at the same time. The business lost control. Interim introduced daily reporting of key thermometer points and rebuilt the main ledgers so that the accounting records reported reality.
"…you have helped me restore confidence in our business numbers…I feel more capable of tracking the movement of the business and am therefore better positioned to make intelligent decisions…"
P.M. General Manager.
- A £2M not-for profit organisation lost control of all its funding streams. Interim introduced improved reporting mechanisms that showed actual and committed spend, giving management improved understanding of the available grant monies.
"I am very grateful for the way in which you have worked with my colleagues in a way that has combined professionalism with a friendly and non-threatening approach. I am more than happy for you to quote my complete satisfaction with the work you have done for us"
KB Executive Director.
Interim management on specific projects
- Interim solved the number one commercial problem for a £13M carpet manufacturer by increasing the stock record accuracy of its finished carpet from 80% to 99%, thereby significantly improving customer service.
- Interim worked with a £100M international manufacturer whose number one UK customer featured as number one in the European overdue list. Over a period of three months, the overdue amount was reduced by £350K.
"…thank you for your excellent contribution….your support, professionalism and flexibility is already being missed…"
I.W. Finance Director.
